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December 1st 1987:
It’s officially Christmas season, the warm smell of hot cocoa is spread amongst the house and little decorations are placed neatly on every shelf and wall. The Christmas tree was placed in the corner of the living room, everyone had helped to decorate it, it was a family tradition
And like every year, it was time to make his Christmas wish. Now he’ll be honest, he never really believed in Santa, after everything that happened with his dad and his Christmas wishes never coming true, he had no reason too. He had a lot less presents than his friends did, due to his mother’s lack of income, but to a child who doesn’t know any better, it seems like Santa just played favourites, but that doesn’t seem right; he’s meant to treat everyone equally (If you are on the ‘nice list’ anyways). He knew his mother was the one buying their presents, and for that he had to appreciate her, not Santa. His mother worked so hard to afford all those gifts, so why should he praise a guy who can’t even grant his one wish. Every year he wished for one thing, and every year he hoped that it would come true. But every year, his wish didn’t come true, of course it didn’t.
Despite all of that, Will found himself wishing for the same thing he had done every year. And he hoped that maybe, just maybe, this year it would become true, even if the likelihood is extremely low.
The party would be arriving shortly for the annual snowball fight, he didn’t really have a tactic this year, other than to wrap up warm, because it is COLD out there. He can already predict that Mike will refuse to wear enough warm gear, he’ll pretend that he’s okay while shivering his ass off, Will, will say ‘told you so’ and Mike will play it off with a ‘yeah whatever’; As you can tell, this happens more often than not.
He wore a warm brown coat, a plaid scarf, a Wooly hat and some gloves. It should be enough to keep him Fairly warm for a while
“WILL! Are you ready for the snowball fight?!”
Eleven jumped behind him excitedly, giving Will a minor heart attack
“YEAH! Are we going to team up to defeat Mike this year?”
“Of course, and max will be on our team too, I’m sure she will happily throw snowballs at Mike, so that means that Lucas and Dustin will be on Mike’s team” El AND max on one team? Going up against Mike?? There is no way Mike’s winning this, he’s a dead man.
He laughed slyly “I don’t think Mike will survive this one”
“They do not want me to use my powers, but maybe I can hide it, if I only use a little amount of power my nose might not even bleed, but if it does I can wipe my nose and just pretend I’m ill, it is cold out there.”
“Oh mike’s dead FOR SURE now”
They both plotted a plan whilst laughing, Will was 100% winning this year.
There was a sudden knock at the door, Will And El were giggling amongst themselves before opening the door, it was time.
The party stood in front of the door, all wrapped up in numerous layers of clothing, as predicted, Mike clearly wasn’t wearing enough. He had a bluey-black coat and a scarf which covered the bottom half of his face, it’s a step up from last year that’s for sure, but it’s still not enough, he’ll be complaining real soon.
Dustin was stood right at the centre of the door, “you guys ready for the snowball fight of 87’?!”
Will and El glanced at eachother
“Of course.”
Will and El stepped out onto the porch after realising the door was letting cold air into the house, Joyce would definitely not appreciate that.
Everyone began walking towards the field of plain snow, the war ground.
“Sooo, we doing teams this year or is it a free-for-all?” Lucas asked, it was clear he wanted to be on max’s team because he stepped closer towards her.
El spoke up “Yes-“
Mike stepped towards Will, who was already gathering a snowball in his hand, “do you want to be on my team? I’m sure we’d win, I’ve got a great plan this year-“
He got pelted with a snowball in response. As much as Will would love to be on a team with Mike, Throwing snowballs at him seemed more fun
“Oh that’s it-“
Mike quickly dropped to the ground, gathering piles of snow
Max was rushing off towards el, a look of mischief in her eyes “Sorry Lucas, but I’m with el and Will, plus, why would I turn down the opportunity to pelt both You AND Mike with snowballs??”
Will quickly ran further away, trying to get some distance between him and Mike so he wasn’t immediately plastered with snow. He realised that he wouldn’t have enough time to gather some snow to throw back at Mike in this moment, so he’d have to rely on his dodging skills, but after spending so long hiding from monsters and dodging random things, his skills were quite high in the ranks, and let’s be honest, Mike missing all his shots would be pretty hilarious
He focused carefully on the snowballs being formed in mike’s hand, following their path as he threw them quickly towards will. With his keen focus he was able to dodge all of Mike’s hits
This gave Will some time to loop around the back of the house and collect a ton of snow, he packed them pretty tight. Could a snowball turn into a lethal weapon? I mean, surely not, snow can’t seriously harm anyone…
His plan was set, he’d stay at the back of the house, Mike will either be smart and appear behind him, or fall right into his trap. But even if he was smart, Will has excellent reflexes, he could instantly turn around and throw that snowball. Although, Mike technically can’t creep up behind him because that would mean he’d have to get past max and el…
As predicted, Mike appeared round the corner, and as soon as Will spotted him, he threw the snowball with as much force as he could
Will’s accuracy was a bit too good, because the snowball ended up punching Mike in the centre of the face and he dramatically fell back with a pained noise
Will was a worried now, but he kept a safe distance between them, last year he fell for one of mikes tricks.
“Mike, are you alright..?”
“Oh you are so dead.” Mike frantically stood up and started sprinting towards him
Normally will’s reflexes are rather fast, but seeing an angry Mike Wheeler sprinting towards him sort of short circuited his brain. He managed to turn around and tried to sprint forward, but he really underestimated how fast Mike was approaching him, so before he knew it, he was being tackled to the ground by Mike Wheeler himself.
He fell face first into the snow, the cold feeling like a brick. But he didn’t spend much time worrying because he realised their position. Mike was half on top of him and his hands were wrapped around Will’s upper body. He sure as hell was glad that it was extremely cold outside, it acted as a disguise for the creeping blush on his face
“We’re even now” Mike quickly got off of Will and shifted to the side
They were both completely out of breath, so just laying there was a valid option
“I don’t know, you just tackled me to the ground and I landed face first into the snow” will said sarcastically
“Well you threw a packed snowball right at my face with the force of thunder! Seriously how’d you get that strong”
Honestly, Will himself couldn’t tell you how he was that strong, it just happened one day I guess
“I honestly couldn’t tell you, I haven’t been lifting weights or anything..”
“Well-“
They were both interrupted by the one and only, Max Mayfield
“Now what are you guys doing over here?” She seemed curious, but also had a smirk plastered across her face
“Taking a break, we’ve been sprinting for too long-“
“Oh really…?” Knowing max, this sentence wasn’t going to end well “sooo, you weren’t kissing or anything? No?”
Will’s face instantly heated up, if the cold had already made his face red, it was definitely 3 shades darker
“MAX-“
She didn’t let Will respond, instead she threw a snowball right at him
“YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO BE ON MY TEAM!”
“Sorry Byers, but you’re both so oblivious it enrages me, I think you’re just as bad as wheeler honestly, so for that, you can team with him, and I will happily defeat the both of you!”
She did not just do that.
Max Mayfield, the queen of.. whatever you call that. She will be the death of him one day.
Will peered at Mike just for a second, and his face looked just as embarrassed as his, or was it shock? His eyes were opened pretty wide it could be either
Before he could even think about the horrifying situation they were put in, a snowball was being thrown directly infront of him, and it gradually increased in size as it got closer, and-
Pow. It hit him right in the centre of his face.
That snowball must have been made of ice or some super packed snow because that felt like a rock. A stinging pain shot through his face,hand clutched to the area
Mike looked at him, concern filling his eyes “Will are you alright-“
No he wasn’t alright, but he will be in about a minute, “yes Mike I’m fine”
Mike’s head whipped around to face Max, his eyes focusing on the target. Something must have activated within him, like a defence mode, but he shot up from where he was sat, already forming snowballs, and sprinted over to max
About five minutes passed and everyone was starting to get numb, their hands and faces were a chilled red and the fire in their lungs were not giving them any sort of warmth, just preventing them from breathing freely
Mike looked the roughest, obviously not bringing enough layers, he was shivering so bad it almost looked as though he was having a seizure. It probably didn’t help that he was absolutely piled in snow from head to toe
I guess he didn’t win that fight…
Mike instantly walked over to Will when he caught his attention, “Hey Will, so uh, I definitely won that fight-“
Max butted in “UH NO. Wheeler running after me was probably the scariest thing I had ever witnessed, so naturally, my survivalist instincts kicked in sooo… I kicked his ass, instantly started throwing snowballs like a machine gun, El helped of course, why would she turn down the offer to defeat The Michael Wheeler”
Will couldn’t help to giggle, he probably shouldn’t laugh at how badly Mike got pelted, but max’s whole description on what just happened really tickled him
Mike didn’t seem too happy about that though, “WILL. You’re not meant to be laughing! I’m suffering!” He pouted slightly, looked towards Will
“I’m sorry but that just sounds hilarious- the way max was describing it-“ he and max were basically cackling at this point
“Haha so funny guys, now can we go inside?” He almost forgot that Mike has a lack of warm clothing, guilt instantly shot through his mind, only a little bit of guilt though, it was still a bit funny
“Look like Wheeler’s had enough, what’s the fun in a snowball fight if I can’t throw it at him anymore? No but seriously it is getting a bit cold out here, I’m going to go inside with the others”
Max quickly ran off to the group at the front of the house, it was just Will and Mike again
“You look cold Mike, want a hug to warm you up? Because you clearly didn’t wrap up warm enough like your mom said” did he really just say that? Some part of his brain just have released a sense of bravery after that laughing fit
Mike stood there for a second, looking as though he was really thinking about it “Mmm, doesn’t seem like such a bad offer”
Now he wasn’t expecting that, he expected Mike to say some snarky remark and then walk into the warmth of the house, because let’s face it, Will is probably way colder than the house. But, he won’t refuse a pleasant invitation, so he doesn’t think about it too Much and scoops Mike into a massive hug
Despite the freezing temperature of the both of them and the surrounding area, the hug had a warm, cosy feeling which sent butterflies fluttering through his stomach
He directed his face towards the house and started walking, both his hands still awkwardly wrapped around Mike, but he himself was glued next to him
They all bathed in the warmth of the Byer’s home after being outside for what felt like both an eternity and 5 minutes
Will was still holding onto Mike, making sure he warmed up (totally not any other reason), it was actually Mike who protested when will nearly let go, he said a quiet “don’t let go”
It really did remind him of when they were little, Mike would be hugging Will, keeping him warm while the party discussed their plans for the next dnd campaign. He’s not so sure what happened after that, Mike distanced himself quite a lot, they no longer hugged or even touched one another, I guess they just became more aware of society. Or maybe it’s because Mike got a girlfriend.
But Mike’s not with El anymore, they’re still friends of course, but Will started to notice a change in Mike’s behaviour, he seemed more like the old Mike. The Mike he fell in love with in the first place. This year was different, Mike felt a bit, flirty so to say, or it’s just his mind playing tricks on him, it could definitely be that..
But maybe.. just maybe, my Christmas wish might finally come true this year
Lucas suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence within the living room “So who actually won this year”
“I like to think that we all won, except Mike.. and maybe Dustin”
Mike suddenly sat up, almost knocking Will out
“WHAT??”
‘WHAT?”
Both mikes and Dustin’s voices combined to make a confused, hurt sound
“Well everyone was up against wheeler, Will did unfortunately join him in the last section of the battle, but will did put up a good fight, especially when he was against Wheeler, it was comical watching both of you fight… and Dustin, you’ve just got a weak throw”
Mike had an offended expression “Why do you all go against me, I’m not THAT bad”
‘MAX! I do not have a weak throw! Actually…. Mmm maybe I do, that’s fair.”
“Mike, it’s just you in general, it’s hard to describe, but your a total loser”
“Thanks.” Mike knew she was joking, maybe, max and him just had a strange bond
Lucas took his chance to talk once eveyone stopped bantering “Sooo are we going to watch a movie now that we know who won?”
Will sat up slightly, eyes still lazily looking forward “yeah sure, you can pick the movie”
A movie sounded great, especially in the midst of winter when you’re sat in the living room, all bundled up in blankets while the fire cackled in the background, resulting in a warm orange glow
He missed something in that thought, that something being right next to him. He and Mike would be snuggled together bundled up in a warm blanket, watching the movie together
Lucas and Dustin argued over which movie they should watch, it happens everytime. Eventually they decide on a decent movie and return back to their designated seats (Lucas, el and max sat on the main coach, Will and Mike on a smaller separate one and Dustin in an armchair)
Warmth basked around the room and Will's eyes were slowly beginning to shut, I guess an hour or so of snowball fighting can really tire you out, or maybe it’s just the general comfort radiating around.
“Will? Will wake up”
Mike attempted to wake the boy who was sleeping on his shoulder, but Will was at uttermost peace, there was no waking him. Infact, it was probably the most at peace Will had ever felt
Lucas walked towards the door with Dustin “Hey Mike, me and Dustin have to go home now, our families are doing some traditions and want us home, can you tell Will when he eventually wakes up”
“Yeah I’ll tell him, if he ever wakes up, I’ll see you guys later”
“Yeah, see ya”
They both walk out of the byers house, whispering amongst themselves
“There’s definitely something going on between Mike and Will” lucas was puzzled by their friendship- or relationship- or whatever they were.
Dustin shrugged “I don’t know man, I think they are just closer, maybe it’s because they don’t have girlfriends so they can relate to that”
“Okay fine, I’ll bet you 10 bucks that they are together”
“Deal.”
“Mike, me and max are going to my room, she is sleeping over”
Mike was now going to be alone, trapped underneath the sleeping boy who he, for some reason, couldn’t wake up. “Cool, guess I’ll just be stuck down here with Will, he’s out cold”
Max smirked “have fun! You two look so cute together”
They quickly ran to El’s room before Mike could protest in any way
With everyone gone, Mike stayed as still as possible, cradling will in his arms, he would rather die than admit to everyone that he was secretly enjoying the time and comfort with Will.
That was until Will turned slightly and was now sleeping on mike’s chest, the comfort had quickly formed into panic.
Mike’s whole body basically set up in flames because will, the boy he has liked for god knows how long (he just refused to accept that fact until recently) is practically sleeping on top of him. In his mind, he’s praying that Will doesn’t wake up right now, or else he’ll see Mike’s painted red face
His eyes slowly open and adjust to the lighting, great he was sleeping. For a moment, he thought that his Christmas wish had come true but it was all just a dream because you can’t have the things you want in reality. Unless… unless you do something about it and take a risk.
He was fully expecting to be in his bed alone, looking over to the clock to see that it was 8am. What he didn’t expect was to be in the living room practically laying on top of Mike. But, he doesn’t feel embarrassed, okay actually maybe he does, he has a new found confidence
Now that he thinks about it, Mike has been awfully flirty recently, so maybe he does feel the same way? If Mike wasn’t going to make a move, he would, if his Christmas wish won’t happen by chance, then he will do it himself because he wants to be able to cuddle Mike, he wants to be able to hold his hand, he wants to be able to kiss him-
“Look who’s finally awake! You were out cold”
“Maybe it’s because you were too comfortable, we should do that again sometime, might help me sleep” his voice was a mix between flirtatious and calm
If Mike’s face wasn’t already red it surely was now.
Both of them eventually got up and went to will’s room, he wasn’t too sure when his parents would be home and he doesn’t want them suddenly walking in the living room
Will shut the door carefully behind him, it’s now or never
He makes his move. “Hey Mike, do you believe in Christmas wishes?”
“Hmm, I’ve been wishing for the same thing for a few years now and it never happens, so I don’t know, I might believe in a Christmas miracle though”
“Mike… if you had the chance to make my Christmas wish come true, would you?”
“Yeah I probably would, wouldn’t it be funny if we wished for the same thing…”
Now if he’s implying what he think he is, then his plan is going accordingly. “Yeah that would be kind of funny…” It's time, the moment which will determine how he will live his life. “Look up.”
Mistletoe. Will grabs mike’s face just as he’s looking up and drags him into a kiss, it was only a short and gentle to test the waters, to see If Mike really wanted this, or if will just completely read this all wrong. But Mike was now the one who initiated it, kissing back just as gently, but obviously with more experience. The kiss lasted much longer, making up for all the time they had lost secretly pining over eachother.
Will looked up slightly to see mike’s face, and wow, his already beautiful dark eyes were hooded and glistening, he truly looked as though he were in-love.
“Will… what was your Christmas wish?”
“Me and you, together, not in the friend way”
Mike smiled “I think I can make your Christmas wish come true”
Mike leaned in to kiss Will once again, and just like that, his Christmas wish finally came true.